Overcast And 68º

7:16

8:42

It's 9:00, and I have just returned from a 70-minute paddle, along Woodlawn, across to Long Point, then back across the lake to the Power Boat Club, then home. At times, I felt like I was the only one out on the lake.

Kayak Morning

Great Blue Heron

Same Guy Or Gal

The Fourth was a quiet day for us, like most years here at the lake since all our families live so far away. So it was a typical Saturday for us. I was up early and out on the lake by 7:00, and I enjoyed a good paddle since the temperature was just shy of 70º. When I returned, Evie and I had our coffee and planned our day since we were having Ron and Linda over for dinner, our usual Fourth of July routine. I ended up driving to the Transfer Station, dropping off the trash, then on to Wegmans to pick up a few things we needed for the day. It was open until 2:00 and crowded with locals like me who forgot something for the Fourth's meals.

I knew we didn't want to worry about lunch, so I bought a sub from Wegmans and enjoyed it while watching the final episode of my series, The Agency. The ending was expected, with things left open for another season. Still, I really liked the series and would highly recommend it. I then got back to my book and briefly napped, then helped Evie with the kitchen, cleaned the porch, and got stuff organized for cooking out. Everything was prepped by Evie at 5:00, and I was showered by then so I could watch the World Cup match between France and Paraguay. France was a heavy favorite but didn't score until late in the second half to win 1-0.

Fourth Of July Burgers, Dogs, Baked Beans, and Potato Salad

Linda and Ron arrived at 6:30, and we quickly poured our wine and beers. It was cool enough to sit on the front porch and enjoy Evie's appetizer — baguettes toasted in butter and maple syrup, topped with brie, our new favorite appetizer. We sat on the porch until almost 8:00, when Ron and I grilled the burgers and hot dogs from the Lighthouse grocery. Dinner was great, as Linda brought her famous potato salad and baked beans to go along with the burgers and dogs. It was cool enough that we could eat outside in our yard for the first time this summer. For dessert, Evie had made a peach crisp, so we had that topped with vanilla ice cream. The fireworks and flares began around 9:45, and Ron and Linda soon left. I took photos of both the fireworks and flares, then came in and cleaned up the kitchen. We were both in bed by 10:30, after a typical, quiet Fourth of July.

Victoria Fireworks

Flares Surrounding the Lake

Woodlawn

South Along Victoria